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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 18-19 — teaching Apollos in Ephesus, ‘baptism of Yokhanan’ vs. ‘baptism of the Spirit’

Paul went from Corinth in Greece to Ephesus in modern-day Turkey. In Ephesus, Priscilla, Aquilla and he met Apollos of Alexander, a biblically strong speaker and debater. Apollos becomes a power preacher about the Messiah, and with the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” he and 11 other believers there become complete. In this story we explore the meanings of “baptism of Yokhanan” and “baptism of the Spirit.”

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 18:1–22 — Did Paul kiss off the Jews?

Many take Acts 18:6 to mean God gave up on the Jews. Is that what it says in context? If so, why did he take a Nazarite vow after his year and a half in Corinth?

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Apostolic Writings Discussions

Acts 17:22-18:4 — Paul continues his journey through Greece to Athens and Corinth

Paul has to “start from scratch” when preaching to the gentiles in Athens and Corinth and has to reach a long way back to find common ground with the Greek philosophers in Athens as well as the commerce-driven, pleasure loving Corinthians. Paul did not have a large community to support him in his evangelist efforts so he had to work with his own two hands to feed himself and his entourage. This may have given him opportunity to be “salt and light” in the marketplaces of the Roman world he was trying to reach to with the Gospel.